upgrade or new build

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I recently came back to simming after an extensive break and loving the new Prepar3d v3. I'm looking to either upgrade my existing system, make a new build or just leave it as it is and I'd like your opinion on the matter.

Which would set me back, including case and 500Gb SSD, around EUR 2100

I've tried 1080p and 1440p and the latter looks so much better, so I'd prefer to make it work on 1440p.

My gut tells me the CPU upgrade alone and overclocking the 4790k will make the biggest difference and luckily is also the cheapest option Is it worth to replace the 770GTX? If I do decide do the upgrade, would different cooler be better or will the H60 suffice? Is the PSU enough? If it turns out I have to replace too many components in my current machine, I'd rather do a new build.

Please, what are your thoughts on this?

Regards,

Daan

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The 4790 is only a meager 3% faster in single threaded explications. The 6700K would be approximately 10-15% faster depending on the application. Clearly the GTX 980Ti is the way to go for 1440P and would give you a boost in P3D.

You would be overclocking of course with your upgraded or new rig, and overclocking is linear in terms, of performance. So a 15% overclock would give you 15% more frames per second or thereabouts.

I'm upgrading from Ivy Bridge, mainly because I have to, my son is having my old PC. The attitude of many is not to upgrade or build completely new, until a few CPU generations have passed, in order to gain more bang for your buck, but that's entirely your decision of course.

We are enthusiasts though, so if I were in your position and I could afford it, looking to spend some dosh, I would gravitate toward the new platform. Other wise in a year or two you may end up feeling the urge to upgrade again.

I went for GSkill Ripjaw V 3200 MHz RAM. GSkill have designed the Ripjaw V modules specifically for Skylake, extensively test them and use top-notch Samsung chips. Also available and recommended is the GSkill Trident Z.

For RAM frequency in regard to the sim, check out this post from Westman, and links to Saab340's excellent contribution...

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If I do decide do the upgrade, would different cooler be better or will the H60 suffice?

It's not the greatest cooler in the universe. Not sure how well it would handle a decent overclock, but would probably be noisy.

For Air, I have the NH-D15S, the new high compatibility, single fan version of the D15...awesome cooler.

Is the PSU enough?

Technically 550 watts is enough, however, to enable the PSU to spend most of it's time in it's most efficient range, and to keep PSU fan RPM down, somewhat more would be optimal. 650 Watt would be my minimal choice.

My new Skylake build will have an Enrmax Platimax 850 Watt multi-rail PSU. I prefer multi-rail as opposed to single rail due to the lower OCP trip point on the sub rails. Less chance of damage to other PSU components if the PC goes tits up.

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Thanks for your detailed answer Martin, I appreciate The memory post was an interesting read and thanks to saab340 for taking the time to share the results!

My first thought was a new build, but then I read a lot of people being satisfied with an overclocked 4790k and since it's half the money, I thought it was worth investigating. I mean, I can afford the new build, but spending money for close to nothing isn't what I'm looking for. I was afraid the PSU and cooler were not going to be sufficient, so if I have to add those to the mix I'd rather invest in a new build and keep my current machine for work only.

G.Skill modules seem hard to come by here for some odd reason (2+ weeks). Are there any good alternatives or is it worth the wait?

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